Worksheets and Files

Explain to students that they are going to become reporters for the Quarterly News and write a newspaper article on a state.

Hand out the “What’s the Scoop?” worksheet (page 12). (It is not necessary that students answer all questions on the list.)

Have the students keep notes in which they compile the results of their research.

Allow students time in class or at the library to work on the project. You may also wish to assign time at home for them to complete the assignment.

Once students are finished researching information and taking notes, have them write a one- to two-page draft of the article.

Remind students that the article needs a headline and some sort of illustration or picture of the quarter they are researching. Students may also include an illustration or picture of the state flower, the state bird, the shape of the state, the state flag, or any other unique landmark or physical feature.

Work with students individually or in groups to help them edit their drafts for grammar, capitalization, spelling, punctuation, and clarity.

Have students write his or her final draft on a copy of the newspaper article template (page 13) in his or her best handwriting or on a computer.

Bind the final reports together into one “newspaper” and have students discuss possible names for it.

Students should be graded on the quality and accuracy of their information; their writing proficiency, including grammar, capitalization, spelling, punctuation, and neatness; their artwork; and the overall effort they have put into their reports. It may be a good idea to require students to hand in their research worksheets (page 10) as well.

Enrichments/Extensions

Students can share their reports with the class in an oral presentation.

Students can look for more in-depth resources on the state they researched, and write a “biography” of a famous American from that state.

Use the worksheets and reports to assess the students' quality and accuracy of information; writing proficiency including grammar, capitalization, spelling, punctuation, and neatness; artwork; and overall effort.